Hello, everyone!

I did it! I signed up for my first Ironman. 140.6 miles of swimming, biking, and running. More about that later… I’m excited to tell you about my decision to support an awesome cause!

Inspired by my wonderful husband Greg, I’ve decided to use this race as a fundraiser. After much prayer and consideration, I’m dedicating my Ironman to an awesome program called Up & Running Again. "Up & Running Again, a Christian non-profit organization, was formed in 2010 to assist homeless individuals and at-risk youth improve their lives by training for, and completing, a half-marathon. In its first year, 19 individuals completed the journey from homelessness to 2-time half-marathon finishers after going through the Up & Running Again training program." Some of the testimonials I've heard include words like "I've never accomplished anything before." Observe these videos from Up & Running Again.

Can you imagine feeling like you've never accomplished anything in your life? But successfully completing a half marathon makes them feel like they can do something. Even an Ironman! Every time I hear another story of a new runner, I get so excited! (Ok God I get it, every time I hear a story from Up and Running Again, I get chills. Maybe you’re trying to tell me something here?!)

Backing up a bit, let me tell you how I found out about the program. My husband and I did the Race Across America in 2011, and part of our fundraising went towards the Orange County Rescue Mission. They have an annual 5k led by our church, which many of the runners in the Up and Running Again group attend. Fast forward about a year, and we volunteered to help out on a couple of their Saturday training runs for the Long Beach Half Marathon. Just seeing everyone out there giving it their best was so amazing! From the fastest (trying to run a 1:40) to the slowest (making it to the finish line for the 2nd or 3rd time), they were smiling, and just looking happy to be out there pushing their bodies beyond what they ever thought was possible. Greg and I were blessed to be able to attend the pre-race dinner. It was so incredible to hear all of the stories of the runners – where they came from, what they’ve accomplished…

I’m so excited to have this opportunity to help a group of new runners! I don’t know what it looks like yet (will I support a team for an upcoming race? specific individuals? the program as a whole?), but I’m trusting that it will become clear as God provides the funds.

Throughout this whole process, I want to remember to be THANKFUL. This means not taking it for granted that I have a healthy body and I can push it to do crazy things (yes I realize an Ironman is crazy), and also just being thankful for second chances in life. I know that I’ve been given many second chances, as have the people involved in Up & Running Again. My addiction in this case is triathlon, but if I’m honest I’ll say that I’ve had many struggles and addictions, and in a way I can relate to many of the people I’ll be racing to support.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to sharing more with you!